Forwards key to win in wind and rain in capital

The All Blacks coaches are pointing to an improved forward effort as the key to levelling the series against France.

New Zealand won 14-10 in wet and cold conditions in Wellington.

The All Blacks and France shared a try apiece but it was three penalties from the home side that ultimately proved the difference in wet and cold conditions in Wellington.

The All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen says their forward effort improved markedly and that made the loosies' job a lot easier.

But the French won the Dave Gallaher trophy for the first time by scoring one more point across the two Tests.

Replacement halfback Piri Weepu kicked the ball out to win the game rather than push for the extra points to retain the cup. He said afterwards the team didn't realise the holders wouldn't keep the silverware without at least an extra score but All Blacks head coach Graham Henry felt the win was more important than telling the players about the winning margin they needed.